Thich Nhat Hanh speaks of “the miracle of mindfulness.” Indeed, as so many people are discovering, the practice of mindfulness does have what seem to be miraculous powers. Something happens when we succeed in really being mindful of the thoughts and feelings and reactions that crowd into and try to take possession of how we [...]
Posts Tagged ‘Christianity’
God Is Gay
It’s National Coming Out Day today. We’ve also heard a lot lately about LGBTQ teen suicides. If you haven’t yet, I implore you to read Rev. Dr. Patrick Cheng’s Huffington Post article on the suicides, Rev. Irene Monroe’s Huffington Post article on bullying and homophobia and spend some time in thoughtful reflection on what your [...]
Christianity – “ity” = What, exactly?
Noted vampire author and Catholic Anne Rice recently announced that she was quitting Christianity in the name of Christ. She intends to keep her beliefs but is so put off by the Catholic hierarchy’s teachings and public pronouncements on feminism, child abuse and human sexuality that she will no longer adhere to any particular sect [...]
Guest Writer: Charlie Becker Hornes “I Might Be ‘Fat’ Today, But God Knows I’m Happy”
Charlie Becker Hornes, M.Div. ’10 writes in response to the comments posted to the YouTube video about Glenn Beck. I have taken some pretty good punches this week on YouTube directly and indirectly regarding our Union’s response to Glenn Beck video: • “I think that first chick missed the part about gluttony maybe? Kinda hypocritical.” [...]
Guest Writer: Shannon Kearns “Open Letter to Serene Jones”
Guest writer Shannon Kearns, M.Div. ’09, responds to President Serene Jones’ recent open letter to Glenn Beck Dear President Jones: I write with sadness over your response to Mr. Glenn Beck. I understand that you were trying to counter his hateful speech with humor, however by taking such a tone you made his words something [...]
Catholic church in trouble. In Boston. Again.
The Boston archdiocese of the Roman Catholic church has gotten itself into trouble again. The current troubles revolve around children, the church and sexuality. Unlike previous years, however, this imbroglio is not about clergy sexual abuse. Boston’s ABC affiliate carries this story about Michael Pakaluk’s column of June 4. The column argues against allowing the [...]
Excommunicated for saving a life
When she took her vows years ago, I doubt Sister Margaret McBride ever thought that she would have to make a choice between remaining in the Roman Catholic Church and saving someone’s life. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened. I share reporters Dan Harris and Claudia Morales in their incredulity over how quickly this happened. As [...]
Investing Justly?
A recent NY Times article on the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility raises some interesting questions to face as people of faith. Shouldn’t our religious consciences extend to our investment portfolios? ICCR executive director Laura Berry believes so and also expresses a belief in the benevolence of the market: “I actually believe that God, whatever [...]
Mujahideen From Beyond The Stars
Is the TV show “V” talking about space lizards or Muslims in its fight for survival narrative?
The Cross and the God of the Gaps
Today, Good Friday, I experienced the confluence of two theological streams – one philosophical and the other devotional. I started with the philosophical on the bus to the United Nations this morning, on my way to participate in “The Way of the Cross, the Way of Peace” which would trace its way down 42nd Street and [...]